Fodor's Expert Review Marjan

Situated on a 3½-km-long (2-mile-long) peninsula covered with pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs, 178-meter (584-foot) Marjan Hill has been a protected nature park since 1964. It's known as the "lungs of the city" because of all its greenery and the fact that locals flock to it on weekends as a nearby recreational area. Stunning views await at the top, with rocky beach areas circling the peninsula. Paths crisscrossing the grounds are suitable for biking and jogging. Eight small churches also dot Marjan Hill, including St. Jerome (sv. Jeronim), which was built in the 15th century into a rock face and includes Renaissance-style stone reliefs on the walls. Beaches on Marjan are more relaxed and offer shade, but there is limited access for cars, which helps preserve the wilderness of the park. Bike rentals and water sports are available.